The Himalayan Vista

The service is what stood out most. The staff were ready to listen and help with linen, meals, and even checking on our dinner order before the kitchen closed. Reception was friendly, and check-in was easy. The rooms are spacious, with white walls and ceilings that make them feel even bigger. There’s a radiator for cold days, a fan for warm ones, hot water all day and night, warm lighting, and a wall-mounted flat TV. The kitchen can also make some fairly delicious meals. Himalayan Vista is close to Ranikhet's main Market Road, but sits on a side road connecting to the quieter Thandi Road, away from the market noise. On clear mornings, most rooms have nice views of the Kumaon and Garhwal Himalayas, which suits the hotel’s name. It’s by far the best tourist accommodation in central Ranikhet.

The location in the city is handy for getting around. My room was clean and okay, though I had to call reception for water again and again during my stay on 22 jun 24. It was a good enough experience as long as you don’t expect too much.

At midnight a drunk staff member banged hard on our door, saying we were making noise and keeping them from sleeping. We had actually been asleep, and their aggressive behavior woke us. We ended up checking out at 7am instead of the usual 12noon. The room was stinky and unclean when we arrived. There was a used soap in the toilet, stained blankets, and an overflowing bin. Rooms should be ready before guests come in, but ours wasn’t. When we asked the manager about it, he said he didn’t know who had been in the room and that it seemed to have been locked from inside for 2 days. If I were asked about this hotel, my answer would be a big no. We had safety concerns, and I’d tell people to research it before booking because your safety is at risk.

The manager gave our family two rooms with splendid views. Atul was excellent with room service. We only had to call reception, and whatever we needed was at our door the next minute.